What kind of health-care services does a nurse practitioner provide?
NPs provide a wide range of direct care services to people at every stage of life. In addition to treating illnesses, they teach individuals and their families about healthy living, preventing disease and managing illness. NPs bring together medical knowledge with the values and skills of nursing. NPs are also leaders, consultants and researchers who incorporate new knowledge into their practice.

Do nurse practitioners replace other health-care professionals? Will I still be able to see my doctor?
NPs work with, rather than replace, other health-care providers. They are part of a collaborative team that includes registered nurses, doctors, social workers and others. While seeing an NP, you can still see your family doctor or any other health-care provider.

What are the benefits of nurse practitioners?
NPs bring value to Canadians and their health-care system. Studies1 about these benefits and patients’ experiences tell us that NPs:

Can nurse practitioners work in every province and territory?
Every province and territory has NP legislation in place. See CNA’s Nursing Statistics section for more information regarding NP numbers across Canada.

Are nurse practitioners new to the health-care system?
NPs first appeared in Canada in the 1960s. Early on, NPs provided care in rural and remote areas. By the 1970s, interest in the NP role increased and more education programs began. Today, NPs are an important part of the health-care system.